I use the circuit at our gym. But, in the past I found that I burn more calories and keepp burning longer by using strength training (weight machines or free weights) and then treadmill after. Since I am having more difficulty losing this time, I have gone back (today) doing this. I will keep all posted which works best for me.

Circuit training is great and a fast way to workout; muscle burns fat; in the long run a combo program with strength training and cardio is best. If you like to do a quick workout, curves is good; you can also walk, jog, bike, or run on your off days. I have a "mailbox" running program that I do, if anyone is interested...especially if restarting a program.

I do the Curves circuit 3-4 times a week. If you are doing it correctly you can burn a lot of calories. we have a cardio class at our Curves so we work hard on the machines and the recovery mats to keep our heart rates up. We also play a bit faster music during these classes (about 145-155 BPM) I wear a heart rate monitor and can burn anywhere between 450 and 600 calories depending on how hard I work. I have a group of women who all attend the cardio class so we really motivate each other to work harder. I don't work as hard when I go at a different time. Each gym is different so I would suggest you take advantage of a free trial and see what you think of it.

Hey all! I saw a thread earlier on dealing with the diet plan, but I'm primarily only interested in joining for a short time to jumpstart my fitness. I already do light circuit training, and figured this would help me get familiar with gym machines and the like. I used to train in boxing, so I never had to use machines. Only free weights and bodyweight. I'm just curious if it actually helps burn away the calories or if I'm just going to be wasting my time? I'm going to give it my full effort and really try to make it work for me if I get some good reviews from you on here. If not curves, would you suggest any other fitness program? I already use dailyhiit.com and bodyrock.tv, but those are usually too intense for me to finish.

Any advice is appreciated. Oh, I'm also 20 years old, female, and on 100 mcg of Synthroid.

SparkPeople, SparkCoach, SparkPages, SparkPoints, SparkDiet, SparkAmerica, SparkRecipes, DailySpark, and other marks are trademarks of SparkPeople, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this website can be used without the permission of SparkPeople or its authorized affiliates.
SPARKPEOPLE is a registered trademark of SparkPeople, Inc. in the United States, European Union, Canada, and Australia. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy last updated on October 25, 2013